Mitchell Johnson (Under Wraps)

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

But its not a McGrath Vs Harmison thing, its people assuming McGrath is finished with out even seeing him bowl. What about Warne hes even older?

No I agree it's not Harmison v McGrath - but the comparison in the 2005 Ashes will always be made, because they both took 5 wickets at Lords.

I don't say he is finished altogether, but if I am being honest if I was the England coach, I would be telling the top order to go after McGrath, because IMO Lee is a much greater thread.

Did you see Lee bowl at Trent Bridge, he and Warne nearly took that match - but Lee never seems to get any credit.

The difference between McGrath and Warne IMO is the effort needed to bowl. McGrath has a much more demanding task that Warne, that's why I think Warne will be just as dangerous if he is still hungry for cricket.

You are right in one thing - I am assuming that McGrath must have slowed down, I remeber him at his peak when he had Atherton as his bunny, believe me when I watched him in 2005, it was IMO not the same McGrath.

[Quagmire]

McGrath brain and him movement with the ball is what has always gotten him his wickets, Warne and McGrath’s main weapon is the same deception and slight variations

[flanflinger]

Quagmire,

I still feel that McGrath will be a threat for the same reasons you have listed. But I also agree with Ern that McGrath has slowed down, and Australia need to start thinking about what to do after him.

This is why it is so crucial that a space in the Test team is found for Johnson. If the attack for the Ashes consists of McGrath, Lee, Warne and Clark (or Gillespie), then Australia will have done themselves no favours what-so ever.

Or more worryingly for Australia's long term they will look for an attack made up of Lee, McGrath, MacGill and Warne, what message does that send out to Johnson?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...nd/6090244.stm

[SixandOut]

I hadn't seen Johnson bowl before the ICC CT, and I have to say he looks impressive. Young, fast and with an attitude. A bit like Brett Lee a few years ago. If they can do to Johnson what they did to Brett Lee then he's sure to have a big furture ahead of him, and possibly become a worthy successor to McGrath.

Having said that, most of England's top 6 enjoy fast bowlers, so whether or not he'll pose a threat in the Ashes (if he plays) is a different story.

[KennyG]

He is a young lefty who is ok with the bat.Has a big future ahead of him.Rather pretty too

[flanflinger]

Thanks Kenny, I agree with you. I think with him in the team Australia have a big chance of winning the Ashes, but I get the feeling that he is not as high in the selectors thinking as he is in ours.

I personally believe the Australian selectors will go for MacGill, Watson, Clark, Gillspie or even Symonds, before Johnson gets a look in...

[cantplaycantalk]

Harmison vs McGrath - No competition, McGrath is a great bowler on any pitch. Harmison needs the conditions that suit him which is fast bouncy pitches. The question over Harmison is will the pitches in Australia suit Harmison, and if they do will he be in good enough form to use them. The question over McGrath is will he be fit enough and fast enough to trouble the English batsmen, and will he be able to maintain his fitness through the series a similar question actually to that which hangs over Flintoff...

[acker]

I think Mitchell is on the verge of being named in the starting eleven for the 1st Test by a whisker from Shaun Tait.

[SixandOut]

Is that because Watson and Tait have just got injured?

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by acker

I think Mitchell is on the verge of being named in the starting eleven for the 1st Test by a whisker from Shaun Tait.

Sorry Acker, but I get the feeling that Buchanan is looking at neither of them!! And will go for McGrath's inferor clone...

Originally Posted by Buchanan

Stuart [Clark] was an outstanding bowler for us in South Africa and then in Bangladesh, so his Test starting point has been very good. The selectors tell us he's kept going in the right direction and he presents on this [Gabba] surface as an important bowler. He's tall, he hits the deck, gets good bounce and can turn the ball a bit, so I think he presents a very good case.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ausve...ry/268894.html

If this happens, then as an England fan I will be very happy, it will mean that none of the two young bucks, who could have made a difference, will get selected.